NCJ Number
74130
Editor(s)
L A Sobel
Date Published
1976
Length
172 pages
Annotation
Based on media coverage of current events, this book chronicles efforts to curb consumer abuses during the late 1960's and the first half of the 1970's, with particular attention to the automotive, drug, and food industries.
Abstract
Following a brief discussion of the consumer protection movement, this book traces Government policies toward consumer problems from the Kennedy through the Nixon administrations. Party platforms adopted in the 1972 election campaign and attacks on Federal consumer agencies are also covered. Consumer issues which affected specific industries are then detailed, beginning with the auto industry and Ralph Nader's investigations which surfaced in 1965. Areas treated include safety laws, recalls, and Federal regulations. The role of the Food and Drug Administration, false advertising, and overcharging are included in the section on drugs and health. Government action in these areas is also reviewed, particularly the banning of various drugs in the early 1970's. Other issues chronicled are medical practices, medical devices, birth control aids, and smoking hazards. Consumer concerns involving food are categorized according to Federal standards and inspections of food processors, recalls of tainted foods, additives and sweeteners, deceptive advertising, and price fixing. Events which focused on other hazardous products are traced, such as dangerous toys, lead in paints, and child proof packaging. In addition, miscellaneous consumer issues which arose between 1969 and 1975 are summarized, particularly concerns involving advertising practices. The book concludes with an excerpt from a 1970 White House study on consumerism and a guide against deceptive advertising published by the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association. A glossary of abbreviations and an index are provided.